Due to the rough weather caused by Cyclone Biparjoy, the Minister for Climate Change, Sherry Rehman, announced the suspension of flights for small aircraft at Karachi International Airport in order to prioritize people’s safety. Rehman mentioned that a decision regarding commercial flights would be made later in the evening after assessing the cyclone’s position and weather conditions with the input of the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD).
Rehman emphasized the collaborative efforts of various state institutions, including the Rangers, Maritime Agency, and Coast Guards, in facilitating the evacuation of people from the coastal areas that might be affected by the cyclone. Seventy-five relief camps have been established in schools and colleges to accommodate those who need shelter.
As part of the preparation and safety measures, the evacuation of people from vulnerable areas, such as the Kacha region, has been completed, with approximately 62,000 individuals evacuated so far. Additionally, billboards in major cities are being removed to ensure people’s safety.
Chairman of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Lt. Gen. Inam Haider Malik, provided an update on the evolving situation of Cyclone Biparjoy. He stated that the cyclone, classified as a Very Severe Cyclonic Storm, is currently located approximately 340 kilometers south-southwest of Karachi, 355 kilometers south-southwest of Thatta, and 275 kilometers south-southwest of Keti Bandar. The cyclone is expected to recurve north-northeastward and make landfall between Keti Bandar and the Indian Gujarat coast on the following day, packing winds of 100-120 km per hour, with gusts reaching 140 km per hour.
